Missouri has strict laws regarding firearms to minimize gun violence. Still, specific people can lawfully carry and own guns, depending on their qualifications, occupation and background. Sometimes, you might want to lend a firearm to another person for self-defense...
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Criminal Defense
Is your spouse accusing you of domestic violence?
Having arguments with your spouse is a normal part of marriage. It is an unavoidable aspect of the communication process. Domestic violence is an entirely different story. It is when one person causes or attempts to cause physical harm to another in their household....
What are the differences between burglary, robbery and theft?
People often use the terms burglary, robbery and theft interchangeably since there are some similarities. However, each one is different under the law. What are the legal definitions of these three criminal activities and what are the differences between them? Theft...
When Missouri police can stop and frisk you — and when they can’t
If a police officer has never done a stop and frisk on you before, it is not a pleasant experience. An officer approaches you on the street. They might ask you a question or order you to stop before whipping you around, pushing against the nearest wall and running...
Penalties for different assault offenses in Missouri
The term assault can refer to various acts, from negligent physical harm to causing serious injuries with full awareness. Missouri law differentiates between different types of assault. Furthermore, courts punish more severe offenses with harsher consequences....
When can the police conduct a search of your vehicle?
The police can pull you over if they see you break the law. When can a routine roadside encounter lead to a request to search your vehicle? If the police believe you have evidence of a crime, a search is the next logical step in their investigation. What if the police...
4 main types of evidence in a criminal case
If law enforcement personnel arrest you for committing a crime, your life can quickly turn upside down. As you face the charges in court or with a prosecutor, it is important to know what types of evidence the prosecutor has against you, and to watch for signs of...
Principles for successful self-defense arguments
Citizens have a right to use force when their lives are in danger. Violence is, without question, justifiable under qualified circumstances. Some may interpret injurious actions as despicable transgressions. In the aftermath, a lawsuit may arise. Particular legal...
An overview of theft, robbery and burglary charges in Missouri
Theft, robbery and burglary are all crimes that involve taking someone else’s property without their permission. In Missouri, these crimes are punishable by fines and maybe imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Understanding the basics of these three...
What constitutes a wrongful conviction?
There are many stories in the news today about wrongful convictions. Some people spend years and even decades in jail or prison for things they did not do. As technology adapts and becomes more sophisticated, juries scrutinize evidence at a more intense level and may...